Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02700817 2016-07-29
TROLLING MOTOR STEERING SYSTEM
[0001]
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the control of
propeller-driven
electric motors, and in particular to transom-mounted and gunwale-mounted
trolling motors.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Trolling motors are popular as the primary or secondary
watercraft propulsion
system. Trolling motors mounted to the transom or gunwale of a watercraft are
used for low
speed maneuvering. Electric trolling motors consist of a vertical support
shaft attached to a
submerged electrically-powered motor driving a propeller, controlled by a
tiller located above
the water. The support shaft is mounted to the transom or gunwale of the
watercraft, thereby
providing a fixed structure for manually rotating the tiller, and changing the
direction of thrust
generated by the motor.
[0004] Electric trolling motors are used by fishermen to slowly
maneuver a boat into
an area targeted for fishing without startling the fish. However, adjusting
the direction of thrust
of the motor requires the fisherman to control both the trolling motor and the
fishing rod, or
suspend fishing while maneuvering the boat. The foot pedal controls the power
to the trolling
motor and controls rotation of the support shaft, and in turn, the direction
of thrust generated by
the electric motor. The use of a foot pedal to control the operation of a
trolling motor enables the
fisherman to concentrate on using both hands to control the fishing rod, and
use the foot pedal to
maneuver the boat. However, foot control pedals are not readily compatible
with all existing
trolling motors.
[0005] There is a need for a hands-free system and apparatus for
controlling trolling
motors that can be used with legacy and current models of trolling motors.
Heretofore there has
1
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
not been available a hands-free system and apparatus for controlling trolling
motors with the
advantages and features of the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An embodiment of the invention relates to a steering system and
mount for a
hand-controlled transom-mounted electric trolling motor. The mount is
installed outboard on the
transom of a boat and provides for attachment of a trolling motor thereon. The
mount permits
hands-free control of the trolling motor using an inboard foot pedal connected
to the mount by
control cables.
[0007] The mount consists of a horizontal transom block rotating upon a
drive
assembly connected to a bracket assembly by arms. The transom block is
connected to a vertical
shaft that is received within a drive assembly and rotates about a vertical
axis. The drive
assembly consists of a pair of sealed ball bearings that securely receive the
shaft, mounted within
the internal races of the bearings. A drive collar is securely attached to the
shaft by a spring pin
midway between the bearings. The drive collar consists of a pair of separator
flanges and
retaining posts to separate the upper and lower cables and to restrain the
cables from becoming
jammed between the drive collar and the housing and retaining pockets for
securing the ends of
the cables. Ball fittings on the upper and lower control cables slide within
upper and lower
retaining pockets on the drive collar permitting the cables to each partially
wrap around the shaft.
The arm members are pivotally connected to the bracket assembly permitting
rotation of the arm
members and drive assembly away from the water. The bracket assembly is
mounted on the
transom of a boat and releasably secured using screw-type clamps. A trolling
motor is secured to
the transom block by tightening the screw-type clamps on the motor mount.
Rotation of the
trolling motor within its mount is prevented by securing a tension screw.
[0008] Steering of a trolling motor attached to the mount is accomplished
by a foot
pedal. The foot pedal operably communicates with the drive collar assembly by
pulling control
cables inboard from the drive collar assembly when rotating the foot pedal
along a pivot shaft
thereby rotating the transom block and the attached trolling motor about the
rotational axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include
exemplary
2
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features
thereof.
100101 FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a steering
mount
having a trolling motor mounted thereto, attached to the transom of a boat;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a steering
mount;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
a
steering mount showing the transom block and drive collar assembly detached
from the arm
members;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
a
steering mount showing the transom block and drive collar assembly in place on
the arm
member;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the drive
collar
assembly in position in the proximal end of the arm member;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an end cap;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a steering
motor
mount attached to the transom of a boat;
[0017] FIG. 8 is top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a drive collar
of a drive
assembly of a steering motor mount;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a steering mount
attached to
the transom of a boat showing a trolling motor oriented perpendicular to the
rear of a boat;
100191 FIG. 10 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a steering mount
attached
to the transom of a boat showing a trolling motor oriented to the right side
of the boat;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a steering mount
attached
to the transom of a boat showing a trolling motor oriented to the left side of
the boat;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a foot
pedal;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a foot pedal;
[0023] FIG. 14A is a right elevational view of the foot pedal showing the
pedal at
maximum dorsiflexion;
[0024] FIG. 14B is a right elevational view of the foot pedal showing the
pedal at
neutral position; and
[0025] FIG. 14C is a right elevational view of the foot pedal showing
the pedal at
3
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
maximum plantar flexion;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
I. Introduction and Environment
[0026] As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are
disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely
exemplary of the invention,
which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and
functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis
for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously
employ the present
invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[0027] Certain terminology will be used in the following description
for convenience
in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front,
back, right and left refer
to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words,
"inwardly" and
"outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the
geometric center of the
aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Inboard refers to the
direction toward the
inside of the boat. Outboard refers to the direction outside of the boat.
Forwardly and rearwardly
are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said
terminology will include
the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar
meaning.
Preferred Embodiment Motor Mount 2.
[0028] Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral
2 generally
designates a trolling motor mount embodying the principles of the present
invention. The mount
2 permits hands-free control of a trolling motor 40 using a foot pedal 70.
Each of the foregoing
will be described in turn.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a boat 66 located in a body of water is
depicted having a
conventional hand-controlled trolling motor 40 attached to a mount 2, wherein
the mount 2 is
attached to the transom 68 of the boat 66. A foot pedal 70 located in the boat
66 is operably
connected to the mount 2 by control cables 21, 22, permitting hands-free
operation of the motor
40. Although the particular embodiment described herein pertains to the mount
2 attached to a
transom, the mount 2 can be attached to the gunwale of a boat or to any other
substantially
vertical structure along the periphery of a boat. Moreover, the type of
trolling motor that may be
4
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
used with the mount 2 is not limited to electric propulsion but may include
motors powered by
other means such as hydrocarbons.
[0030] The following motor 40 comprises a conventionally-known
electric motor and
is described by way of example only, and is not to be construed as limiting.
The motor 40
generally consists of a shaft 42 having a control unit 48 located above water
at one end, and a
submerged drive unit 46 located at the other end. The submerged drive unit 46
has an electric
motor (not shown) that rotates a propeller 62 providing thrust for the boat
66, and a skeg 64
providing directional stability for the motor 40 as it moves through the
water. The shaft 42 is
slidably received within a height adjustment collar 45 and frame pipe 54. The
depth of the drive
unit 46 below the water surface is determined by the position of the height
adjustment collar 45
along the shaft 42. When the drive unit 46 is at the desired depth, the set
screw 61 is tightened
and the lower surface of the height adjustment collar 45 rests on the upper
surface of the frame
pipe 54. A power cable 58 is connected to both a power source (not shown),
such as a deep cycle
direct current marine battery, and the power cable 58 connected to the foot
pedal, providing
electric current to the control unit 48 and drive unit 46. The control unit 48
and drive unit 46 are
operably connected thereby causing the orientation of the drive unit 46 to
mirror the orientation
of the control unit 48. A tiller 56 is attached to, and mechanically
communicates with, the control
unit 48 permitting an operator to change the direction and amount of thrust
generated by the
drive unit 46 and propeller 62. Rotation of the shaft 42 can be prevented by
securing the tension
screw 60 in the frame pipe 54 thereby causing the orientation of the control
unit 48, shaft 42, and
drive unit 46 to be fixed. The motor mount 50 is releasably secured to the
transom block 3 of the
mount 2 by screw-type clamps 52.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, the mount 2 consists of a laterally-
spanning elongated
transom block 3 that rotates on a shaft about an axis 16. The transom block 3
consists of material
having a width preferably between one and two inches, length of six inches,
and a height of
approximately three and one-half inches thereby providing a mounting support
structure for the
hand-controlled trolling motor 40. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the block 3 is
connected to a shaft
that rotates within a housing 11. The housing 11 is disposed at the proximal
end of two
conjoined arm members 17 and, in conjunction with the end cap 14 secures the
shaft 5, bearings
7A, 7B and drive collar 25 in segregated compartments 12A, 12B and 12C. A
bushing 9 is
5
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
preferably positioned immediately atop the upper bearing 7A and immediately
below the
transom block 3. The conjoined arm members 17 are rotatably connected,
preferably with a rod
element 100, or other comparable means, to a bracket assembly 23 at a lower
rotatable
connection 24. The rod element 100 extends through the first overlapping flap
member 18, then a
first arm of the arm member 17 through the open interior space of the
conjoined arm members 17
through the second arm member 17 and finally through the second overlapping
flap member 18.
A rotatable connection 24 is accomplished through the use of slots 138
disposed within the lower
portion of both arm members 17 at their proximal ends. The lower pivot
connection 24 allows
the conjoined arm members 17 to rotate about the bracket assembly 23 at
connection point 27 to
accommodate movement of the arms 17 through about a twenty degree arc to
accommodate
transoms of varying inclination. When the arms 17 are adjusted to a position
generally parallel to
the water surface, a releasable fastener 26 such as a lock nut may be secured
to the end of the rod
element 100 fixing the position of the arms 17 and drive assembly 11. FIG. 5
depicts the drive
collar assembly 8 in position in the housing 11 without the end cap 14 in
position.
100321 FIGS. 3 and 4 depict that the arm members 17 are secured to the
bracket
assembly 23 at connection point 27 by standard securement means such as
rivets, bolts 102 or
other attachment means familiar to those skilled in the art. The bracket
assembly 23 consists of
two downwardly extending flap members 18, a C-shaped overhang member 19 and
releasable
fasteners 34, such as screw clamps, that serve to secure the bracket assembly
23 to the transom
68. The flap members 18, as discussed above, overhang the rearmost portions of
the arm
members 17 and cooperate, in a pivotal fashion, with the arm members 17 to
accommodate
transoms of various angles. The back sides 18A of the flap members 18 and the
backsides 19A of
the overhang member 19 follow the contour of the outboard side of the transom
68. The C-
shaped overhang member 19 is in contact with the outboard side and top of the
transom 68. The
inboard portion of the C-shaped overhang member has screw-type clamps 34 for
releasably
securing the mount 2 to the transom 68. The arms 17 and bracket assembly 23
are manufactured
from a rigid material, for example, composite material, plastic or metal.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, the drive collar housing 11 supports the
drive collar
assembly 8 which consists of an elongated shaft 5 installed within the inner
race of sealed ball
bearings 7A, B and the drive collar 25. The shaft 5 is preferably manufactured
from a rigid
6
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
material, for example, composite material, carbon fiber, or metal. The drive
collar 25 is
manufactured from a rigid material, including, but not limited to, composite
material or metal.
The drive collar 25 is mounted on the shaft 5 and fixedly secured thereto by
tightening a spring
pin 31 located on the drive collar 25. The drive collar 25 utilizes separator
flanges 105 on
opposite sides of the drive collar to separate the upper flexible cable 21
from the lower flexible
cable 22. In addition, the drive collar utilizes retaining pockets 107 for
securing the first ball
fittings 108 fixedly secured to the ends of the upper and lower flexible
cables 21, 22. The ball
fittings 108 of the cables 21, 22 are positioned into the retaining pockets
107 with the cable
extending outwardly through an opening 109. The upper retaining pocket 107 is
positioned so
that the upper cable 21 is in contact with the drive collar 25 outer
rotational surface 115 for
approximately 180 degrees when the transom block 3 is in the central position.
When the upper
cable 21 is placed under tension from actions at the foot pedal 70, the
transom block can rotate
the maximum range of approximately 90 degrees from its neutral center
position. Likewise, the
lower retaining pocket 107 is positioned so that the lower cable 22 is in
contact with the drive
collar outer rotational surface 115 for approximately 180 degrees when the
transom block 3 is in
the central position. When the lower cable 22 is placed under tension from
actions at the foot
pedal 70, the transom block will rotate the maximum range or a full 90 degrees
from center
position but opposite in direction from when the upper cable 21 is under
tension.
100341 Still referring to FIG. 5, and extending perpendicularly
outwardly from the
outer rotational surface 115 of the drive collar 25 are two posts 117. The
posts 117, located
adjacent the upper and lower cables 21, 22 serve to retain the cables in
position and prevent them
from lodging between the drive collar 25 and the housing 11 and causing the
cables 21, 22 to jam
the rotating assembly 8. FIG. 3 depicts the placement of the end cap 14 and
its relation to the
drive collar housing 11 of the conjoined arm plates 17. The end cap 14
interior structural features
as seen at FIG. 6, mirror the structure of the drive collar housing 11 and
provide open areas for
placement of the bearings 7A, B and the drive collar 25. Specifically, the end
cap 14 structure
includes compartments 12A, 12B and 12C to house the drive assembly 8
components. The first
compartment 12A houses the upper bearing 7A, while the third compartment 12C
houses the
lower bearing 7B. The center compartment 12B houses the drive collar 25. The
end cap 14 is
preferably secured to the drive collar housing 11 with standard screws placed
through the end
7
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
cap 14 holes 135.
[0035] FIG. 7 provides an elevation view of the interior of the
trolling motor mount 2
in position on a transom 68. The trolling motor mount 2 is secured in position
by the clamps 34
tightened against the transom 68. This view details the upper and lower cables
21, 22 transiting
from the foot pedal 70 through the C-shaped overhang member 19, between the
flap members
18, into the interior of the arm members 17 and feeding into threaded cable
adjusters 39 that
secure the cables into a molded flange 135 that restrains the cable housing in
an upper and lower
position. The upper and lower cables 21, 22 emerge from their respective cable
housing and as
previously detailed extend around the outer rotational surface 115 of the
drive collar 25 with the
ball fittings 108 secured in the respective upper and lower retaining pockets
107.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 7 revealing the
structure of the drive
collar assembly 8 from just above the drive collar 25 in a top down plan view.
This view depicts
the ball fittings 108 of the cables 21, 22 within their respective upper and
lower retaining pockets
107. FIG. 8 also conveys the 180 degree wrap of the cables 21, 22 around the
outer rotational
surface 115 of the drive collar 25, when in the center position, to facilitate
achieving a full 90
degrees of rotation from center when the respective cables are placed under
tension by operation
of the foot pedal 70. This figure also reveals the slots 133 for the posts 117
that serve to keep the
cables 21, 22 from being wedged between the drive collar 25 and the housing 11
and thereby
jamming, and rendering inoperable, the motor mount 2.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the trolling motor mount 2 secured to
a transom 68
with the transom block 3 shown in a centrally disposed position. In this
configuration each of
the cables 21, 22 wrap around the outer rotational surface 115 of the drive
collar 25 roughly 180
degrees. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the transom block shown rotated 90 degrees
to the left of
center. In this orientation, the upper cable 21 wraps roughly 90 degrees of
the outer rotational
surface 115 of the drive collar 25 while the lower cable 22 wraps around
roughly 270 degrees of
the outer rotational surface of the drive collar 25. The trolling motor mount
2 will preferably
utilize a hard stop (not shown) atop the conjoined arm members 17 to prevent
any rotation of
transom block 3 beyond 90 degrees from center. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the
transom block
shown rotated 90 degrees to the right of center. In this orientation, the
upper cable 21 wraps
roughly 270 degrees of the outer rotational surface 115 of the drive collar 25
while the lower
8
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
. .
cable 22 wraps roughly 90 degrees of the outer rotational surface of the drive
collar 25. As
previously noted, the trolling motor mount 2 will preferably utilize a hard
stop (not shown) atop
the conjoined arm plates to prevent any rotation of transom block 3 beyond 90
degrees from
center.
[0038] FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the foot pedal 70
utilized to change the
orientation of the transom block 3 and the trolling motor 40 secured thereto.
As mentioned
above, rotation of the transom block 3 is controlled by a foot pedal 70
located within the boat 66.
Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14A-C, the foot pedal 70 generally consists of a
base 74 supporting a
pedal 72 pivotally connected to sidewalls 90 by a pivot shaft 78. A pair of
vertically spaced arms
86 depend from the pedal 72 having a linkage pin 88 at a distal end adapted
for receiving the
ends of the upper and lower cables 21, 22 which are connected to the drive
collar assembly 8 at
their opposite ends. The housings of the upper cable 21 and lower cable 22 are
secured within
blocks 80, 82 respectively, thereby permitting the cables 21, 22 to be drawn
in and out of their
protective housings. A power cable 84 is connected to both the power cable 58
and the power
source (not shown) at one end, and to a momentary switch 76 and an on-off
switch 92 on the
pedal 72 at the other end. The operator can turn the power on and off to the
foot pedal 72 by
toggling the on-off switch 92, and turn the power on and off to the motor with
the momentary
switch 76 by movement of their foot.
III. Installation and Operation of Preferred Embodiment Motor Mount 2.
[0039] The motor mount 2 is installed on the transom 68 of a
boat 66 by positioning
the transom block 3 on the outboard side of the boat 66, and sliding the
bracket 23 over the
transom 68 until the bracket 23 rests upon the top of the transom 68. The
mount 2 is releasably
secured to the transom 68 by tightening the screw-type clamps 34. Depending
upon the angle of
the transom 68, the arms 17 can be adjusted to orientate the shaft 5 into a
position whereby the
rotational axis 16 is generally perpendicular to the surface of the water.
Adjustment is made by
loosening the fastener 26 at each arm 17 and pivoting the arms 17 up toward
the gunwale until
the rotational axis 16 is generally perpendicular to the water surface. Then
the fastener 26 on
each arm 17 is tightened and the mount 2 is ready to receive a trolling motor
40 on the transom
block 3.
[0040] After attaching the motor 40 to the mount 2 and securing
it by tightening the
9
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
screw-type clamps 52, the shaft 42 is positioned parallel to the outboard
surface of the transom
block 3. The depth of the drive unit 46 is adjusted by loosening the tension
screw 60 in the frame
pipe 54, and the set screw 61 in the height adjustment collar 45, and moving
the motor 40
vertically within the frame pipe 54. When the drive unit 46 is at the desired
depth, the height
adjustment collar 45 is positioned to rest against the frame pipe 54 and the
set screw 61 is
tightened. With the transom block 3 in a neutral position (i.e. parallel with
the transom 68) the
orientation of the motor 40 is adjusted until the longitudinal axis 47 of the
drive unit 46 is
perpendicular to the outboard face of the transom block 3. This is
accomplished by loosening the
tension screw 60 on the collar 54 and rotating the shaft 42 of the motor 40 by
manual movement
of the tiller 56. When the drive unit 46 is at the desired orientation, the
tension screw 60 is
tightened thereby fixing the orientation of the motor 40 relative to the
transom block 3. Since the
orientation of the motor 40 is fixed relative to the transom block 3,
orientation of the motor 40 is
thereafter controlled by the rotation of the transom block 3.
[0041] As mentioned above, rotation of the transom block 3 is
controlled by a foot
pedal 70 located within the boat 66. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the foot pedal
70 generally
consists of a base 74 supporting a pedal 72 pivotally connected to sidewalls
90 by a metal pivot
shaft 78. A pair of vertically spaced arms 86 depend from the pedal 72 having
a linkage pin 88 at
a distal end adapted for receiving the ends of the upper and lower cables 21,
22 which are
connected to the drive collar assembly 8 at their opposite ends. The housings
of the upper cable
21 and lower cable 22 are secured within blocks 80, 82 respectively, thereby
permitting the
cables 21, 22 to be drawn in and out of the housing. A power cable 84 is
connected to both the
power cable 58 and the power source (not shown) at one end, and to an on-off
switch 76 on the
pedal 72. The operator can turn the power on and off to the foot pedal 72 by
toggling the on-off
switch 76 by movement of their foot.
[0042] Hands-free control of the orientation of the motor 40 is
accomplished by
rotating the pedal 72 about the pivot shaft 78. Referring to FIG. 14B, the
foot pedal 70 is shown
with the pedal 72 in a neutral position, whereby the transom block 3, and
attached motor 40 are
in a neutral position. Referring to FIG. 14A, the foot pedal 70 is shown with
the pedal 72 fully
rotated in an upward (dorsiflexion) manner. Dorsiflexion pulls the upper
control cable 21 from
the left or back of the foot pedal 70 to the right or front of the pedal 70,
thereby pulling the upper
CA 02700817 2010-04-16
control cable 21 inboard at the drive collar assembly 8 causing the transom
block 3 and drive
unit 46 to rotate counter-clockwise (FIGS. 9-11) changing the direction of
thrust generated by
the propeller 62. Referring to FIG. 14 C, the foot pedal 70 is shown with the
pedal 72 fully
rotated in a downward (plantar flexion) manner. Plantar flexion pulls the
lower control cable 22
from the right or front of the foot pedal 70 to the left or back of the foot
pedal 70, thereby pulling
the lower control cable 22 inboard at the drive collar assembly 8 causing the
transom block 3 and
drive unit 46 to rotate clockwise and changing the direction of thrust
generated by the propeller
62.
[0043]
Although particular aspects of the mount 2 have been described in conjunction
with an exemplar embodiment, it is evident that other embodiments and
variations of the mount
2 may be appreciated by those skilled in the art from a consideration of the
specification and
particular embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, it is to be understood that
the mount 2 and
its constituent elements can be manufactured or fabricated from a wide range
of suitable
materials, and in various sizes using assorted manufacturing and fabrication
techniques.
11
